Perfect Peace - Daniel Black

Perfect Peace

By Daniel Black

  • Release Date: 2010-03-16
  • Genre: Black Literature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 474 Ratings

Description

As seen on TikTok, Daniel Black’s Perfect Peace is the heartbreaking portrait of a large, rural southern family’s attempt to grapple with their mother’s desperate decision to make her newborn son into the daughter she will never have—“a complex, imaginative story of one unforgettable black family in mid-twentieth century Arkansas” (Atlanta Magazine).

When the seventh child of the Peace family, named Perfect, turns eight, her mother Emma Jean tells her bewildered daughter, “You was born a boy. I made you a girl. But that ain’t what you was supposed to be. So, from now on, you gon’ be a boy. It’ll be a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to it, and this’ll be over after while.”

From this point forward, Perfect’s life becomes a bizarre kaleidoscope of events—while the rest of his family is forced to question everything they thought they knew about gender, sexuality, unconditional love, and fulfillment.

“A morality tale of the consequences of letting our selfish needs trap the ones we love into roles they weren’t born to play. The characters here are as flawed, their sins numerous, as any living human being held under the lens, but the author brings a compassion and understanding to their plights.”—Mat Johnson, award-winning author of Invisible Things

“Part cautionary tale, part folk tale, part fable, Daniel Black’s Perfect Peace is a complete triumph…In Emma Jean Peace, Dr. Black has created a character as complex, equivocal and unforgettable as Scarlett O'Hara.”—Larry Duplechan, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Got ’Til It’s Gone

Reviews

  • Buy it now

    5
    By Baijour
    I’ve been trying to get back into reading since high school. I love a good read. I can’t just read anything. This book had me hooked! I wish it never ended! This book has so many twists and turns. It gives you the craziest feelings. You love will fall in love with each character even when they make you mad! I found myself rushing home from work to read it!
  • A real page turner.

    5
    By myfavgemtwin
    I absolutely enjoyed this book. From the first page I was instantly captivated into the livelihood of the Peace family. The first chapter sucked me in like no other. Daniel Black is an excellent storyteller. This book has easily became one of favorites. I love how he outlines the lives of every single member of the family as well as the overall meaning of love and family. I do wish that he would’ve went more in depth about the remainder of the lives of each peace member. I sort of feel like I was left with a cliffhanger considering how close I felt to the characters. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am excited to read more by Daniel Black.
  • Breathtaking and emotional

    5
    By Iphoneuser2188
    This book tells an amazing story of family, love, and acceptance. The emotional roller coaster you will experience as you read this story is magnified by the character development. I highly recommend this book to all who have felt lost or ridiculed. This is a book for those who have been told they are not enough. For those who have been scrutinized for their nonconformist tendencies. This is a book of love.
  • Perfect Peace

    5
    By Ljpatts
    Excellent find. Thank you.
  • Thank you...

    5
    By 5EGN's
    My two older sons are college students at Morehouse College, where Dr. Black teaches. He taught my older son’s honors English Literature course in 2016. He presently teaches my second oldest in the same course, who convinced me to purchase this book and read it... “Perfect Peace” embodies the purpose of sending of why I sent my son’s to Morehouse College. A 150 year old institution teaching and reminding young men of their humanity, “Perfect Peace” helps solidify that purpose..and deliver a message to my sons that I struggled delivering. Thank you Dr. Daniel Black. Your are a gift to Morehouse. You are a gift to the universe.
  • Amazing read!!!!!

    5
    By jjay02
    I have read this book at least 4 times! I Absolutely think this is one of the best reads I've had in years!
  • Amazing Novel!

    5
    By The Lowkey Poet
    Dr Black is an amazing writer as you'll discover from reading this novel. He dives into the issues of black masculinity and gender roles in this novel. It's a must read!!
  • Amazing from start to finish

    5
    By P. Streets
    There are so many words I could use to describe how wonderfully written this story was presented. As much as it entertained my mind with the vivid details of the south and the people in the story it also allowed me to think about the gender stereotypes we have in today's society. This book translates to the views we have of the world today. I absolutely enjoyed it to the fullest!
  • A decent book

    3
    By Christian Myrick
    The storyline is unique and I do feel that the author could've gone deeper into the situation. Overall, a good read.
  • Anything is possible

    5
    By sharonroseperry
    Mr. Black has done an outstanding job.

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